Yudichak Veterans’ Bill Becomes Law

Wilkes-Barre, August 17, 2016 – State Sen. John Yudichak’s legislation exempting nonprofit veterans’ organizations from the realty transfer tax has been signed into law.

Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon) succeeded in adding the language from his veterans’ bill (Senate Bill 421) into the state’s tax code legislation (Act 84), which was enacted by Gov. Tom Wolf.

“As our veterans organizations face membership fluctuations, we must work to ensure they are not penalized for merging or transferring property,” Yudichak said.

“I will continue to work on legislation that provides our veterans with the appropriate benefits, support and the respect they deserve.”

Yudichak credited veterans’ organizations for playing an active leadership role in communities throughout the state. Ranging from charitable work to social and civic activities, Yudichak said the organizations are important to both their membership and community.

A similar tax exemption already exists for volunteer fire and emergency service organizations.

Yudichak also pointed to two other measures in the budget package that benefitted veterans. They include:

a veteran job creation tax credit that will allow businesses to claim $2,500 for every veteran they hire; and

the Neighborhood Assistance Program was expanded to provide more affordable housing opportunities for veterans.